If you're going to try something as ambitious as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it helps to know you're not alone. For Charlotte nurse Julie Simmons of the Trauma Survivors' Network, her greatest support would come from thousands of miles away.

In the latest installment of Inspiration Nation, USA TODAY Network brings you the story of a nurse seeking to fulfill a bucket list item who would find her strength from her patients, many of whom are amputees.

They became a part of Simmons' journey, from signing the poles she used on the hike to the note cards they gave her with encouraging words.

Simmons' patients knew a thing or two about what it means to face a challenge. "They hike their own Kilimanjaro, individually, every day," she said.